The holiday season is a time for creativity, warmth, and memories made with loved ones. One delightful way to embrace the spirit of giving and festivity is by making holiday foam dough ornaments. This craft not only allows for endless artistic expression but also brings families together as they roll up their sleeves to create personalized decorations for their trees or gifts. The soft foam dough is easy to work with, even for little hands, making it a great option for all ages. Whether you’re looking to add a homemade touch to your decor or want to make thoughtful presents for friends and family, these ornaments are the perfect solution. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about crafting stunning holiday foam dough ornaments that will spark joy and add a unique flair to your celebrations.
Why You’ll Love This Holiday Foam Dough Ornaments
- Fun & Engaging: A perfect family activity that keeps everyone occupied and entertained.
- Easy to Make: Requires minimal supplies and simple techniques.
- Customizable: Endless design possibilities to suit your holiday themes.
- Sensory Experience: The soft texture of foam dough makes it enjoyable to manipulate.
- Lasting Memories: Create keepsakes that can be cherished for years to come.
- Great Gifts: Personalized ornaments make heartfelt presents for friends and family.
Materials
- 1 cup white school glue
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon baby oil
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Food coloring (optional)
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Baking sheet
- Wax paper
- Ribbon or string for hanging
- Paint or glitter (optional for decoration)
Full Step-by-Step
Preparing the Foam Dough
- Mix the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the white school glue, cornstarch, baby oil, and baking soda.
- Stir Well: Use a spoon to mix the ingredients until you achieve a uniform consistency. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring and mix until fully blended.
- Kneading the Dough: Once the mixture is smooth, place it on a clean surface sprinkled lightly with cornstarch. Knead the dough until it’s pliable and not sticky, usually for a few minutes.
Shaping Your Ornaments
- Roll Out the Dough: Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thick on a piece of wax paper.
- Cut Out Shapes: Use cookie cutters to create various shapes for your ornaments. Place each cut-out shape onto a baking sheet lined with wax paper.
- Make Hanging Holes: Before baking, use a straw or toothpick to poke a hole at the top of each ornament for hanging.
Baking
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C).
- Bake the Ornaments: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 2-3 hours, or until the ornaments are hard and dry. Be sure to flip them halfway through for even drying.
- Cool Completely: Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely before decorating.
Decorating
- Add Finishing Touches: Use acrylic paints, glitter, or other embellishments to decorate your ornaments.
- Attach Ribbon: Cut a length of ribbon or string and thread it through the holes to create a loop for hanging.
Tips & Variations
- Custom Colors: Experiment with natural dyes (such as beet juice or turmeric) instead of food coloring for different hues.
- Texture: Add glitter or sand to the dough for a textured finish.
- Different Shapes: Use different cutters for various holidays—think hearts for Valentine’s Day or stars for New Year’s.
- Sealing: Apply a clear sealant spray once the decorations are dry for added durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other types of glue?
Yes, while school glue works best for this recipe, you can try using craft glue or PVA glue, though results may vary.
2. How can I store leftover dough?
Store any unused dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
3. Can I paint the ornaments after they dry?
Absolutely! Once your ornaments are completely dry, you can paint, add glitter, or use any embellishments to enhance their look.
4. What if my dough turns out sticky?
If your dough is sticky, knead in a little more cornstarch until it reaches the desired consistency.
Suggestions
- Consider hosting a holiday crafting party where friends and family can come together and create their own versions.
- Incorporate personalized messages or names on the ornaments for unique gifts.
- Use the ornaments as tags for presents by writing the recipient’s name on the back.
Final Thoughts
Holiday foam dough ornaments are not only a fun and engaging craft, but they also serve as unique decorations that celebrate the joy of the season. Whether you make them as gifts or for your own décor, the possibilities are endless. We encourage you to share your creations, variations, or experiences in the comments below. Happy crafting, and may your holiday season be filled with joy and creativity!
Print
Holiday Foam Dough Ornaments
- Total Time: 135 minutes
- Yield: Varies depending on size
- Diet: N/A
Description
Create personalized holiday foam dough ornaments with this easy and fun DIY guide, perfect for families and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 cup white school glue
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon baby oil
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Food coloring (optional)
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters
- Baking sheet
- Wax paper
- Ribbon or string for hanging
- Paint or glitter (optional for decoration)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the white school glue, cornstarch, baby oil, and baking soda.
- Stir well until you achieve a uniform consistency. Add food coloring if desired.
- Knead the dough on a lightly cornstarch-sprinkled surface until pliable.
- Roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thick on wax paper.
- Cut out various shapes with cookie cutters and place them on a baking sheet.
- Poke a hole at the top of each ornament for hanging using a straw or toothpick.
- Preheat the oven to 200°F (93°C).
- Bake the ornaments for 2-3 hours until hard and dry, flipping halfway through.
- Cool completely before decorating.
- Use acrylic paints or glitter to decorate your ornaments.
- Attach ribbon or string through the holes to create a loop for hanging.
Notes
Consider using natural dyes for colors, and store any leftover dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Category: Craft
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: N/A
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ornament
- Calories: N/A
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: N/A
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: N/A
- Cholesterol: N/A